The "Trump Card" Nintendo ISN'T Aware Of ?!?

[TheGame]

Another great fanboy post by D-Real

Methinks Nintendo needs to do it with a more popular connection. Maybe pokemo or somthing. If they would have did it back when Sonic Adventure was released it could have been a huge hit too. Who knows though.

[dwelzy]

Another great fanboy post by D-Real

um i dont think its "fanboyish" to post a nintendo oriented post in a NINTENDO gc board , but hey thats just me.........

[D-realJos]

Originally posted by dwelzy
um i dont think its "fanboyish" to post a nintendo oriented post in a NINTENDO gc board , but hey thats just me.........

Exactly. I didn't stress it because anyone could tell him that.

Look like you're getting a bit desperate there The Game!
Resorting to invalid arguments. Then again, that was always your way of doing things.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by D-realJos
I'm talking about none other than GameBoy Advance.
But, it's more than what you think. Read on and be sure to post your thoughts!




From the very beginning, Nintendo has been hyping the collective potential of these two systems as a fusion that can deliver a devastating combo attack to the competition by driving some serious (home console) hardware. But, the truth is; as much as Nintendo repeatedly acknowledges that GBA -- with it's ability to link to GC -- can be used as a bridge/host to get people recognize GameCube as their first choice for a home console, they have -- so far, done little to promote this idea. It's for certain that they do have future games that will further take advantage of the link capabilities of the systems. The underlying point here is that this is a strategy where the effects would have to be seen over a period of time -- literally years of GC/GBA-compatible software. Problem is, we(and Nintendo, I would hope) want to see cubes flying off the shelves NOW!

What if there's was direct approach to the situation? One which "combines" these systems in a totally different way, but have the potential to offer significant and immediate results(selling GCNs). One that lies right under our noses too!

If you haven't already guessed... I'm specifically talking about bundling GameBoy Advance with GameCube, and it may just be practical enough to work. A "bundle" of success!

Before, it would have been a bit too expensive/risky for Nintendo to attempt, but with the official price($69.99) of GBA now costing only a few more dollars that an actual GCN game, it's much more of a possibility now. A marketing campaign promoting of a variety of GBA-included packages would be, for the lack of a better word... killer!!

4 basic GBA-included bundles! for Instance...

GCN, GBA, ($159)?
GCN, GBA, gba game ($179)?
GCN, GBA, gc game ($209)?
GCN, GBA, gc game, gba game($229)?

[Keep in mind, some stores sell GBA for $59 and still make a profit, so those deals above -- although only mere referrences -- aren't necessarily "too good to be true." Plus, most bundles are governed by the principle of taking a slight hit so you can push hardware into homes(some even offer up to $100 savings). Once there, software purchases will ensure manufactures profit eventually. Anyway, having GBA-included bundles at reasonable deal is what's important here. If Nintendo can afford it, maybe they can throw in the link cable for free too!]

Seriously, I don't think MS, or Sony is even remotely intimidated by any bundles Nintendo currently has. That's because they know they can release equally attractive offers. What IS intimidating however, is a money-saving offer in which you can simultaneously get a product with overwhelming demand for free, along with your main purchase. Two completely different -- but compatible -- systems!

"On their own, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube are each powerhouse game systems. Together, they make an awesome team." -- quote from Nintendo.

Perhaps, there's more truth to that statement than Nintendo themselves realize. They would make and awesome team, but, in more ways than one. A GBA bundle strategy has potential to alter a few rounds in this battle, and may give Nintendo just the momentum they needs at this stage in GCN's life. Perhaps, the kind of momentum that tips one off the top of that proverbial slope where nothing but smooth "sailing" lies ahead.

Nintendo's current bundles -- while doing good on their own merits -- just aren't cutting it against the competition. From the current perspective, it appears that Nintendo is exploring all effective options(let's face it Platinum GameCube + Metroid Prime is basically as big and effective as they come), but they apparently aren't enough. I suspect that GBA bundles(even without the existence of current bundles) could do a better job of selling cubes. Judging by the recent demand GBA has acquired, "a better job" may be an understatement.

In conclusion, forgive me if I sound like a pessimist, because I'm not. So no, I didn't write this because I think Nintendo is making huge mistakes or is in any kind of danger, so to speak. A GBA bundle strategy, is just something I would like to see Nintendo attempt in the very near future to gain a stronger grasp on the market, which would set the scene for better things to come. In fact, the more I think about it, the more wonder why Nintendo hasn't already exploited the idea already. Who knows, perhaps they will.

One thing is for sure though. The success power of GBA is a force to be reckoned with, and one that the competition would fear if Nintendo found a way to leverage that potential in ways that would aid GameCube sales.

The problem is just as the topic's title implies, however. Is Nintendo even aware that it has such a "trump card" at their disposal?"

Hmm...

Your Thoughts!

Sorry to get back to replying to this, it's just that I haven't had time to read it.

Very smart idea! Bundle the GBA with the GC (at a reasonable price). Especially when Pokemon is being released. With GBA sales so strong, it would boost consumers confidence in purchasing a GC I'm sure.

It could definitely help increase sales. If they compare it say with a Ps2 + Game, or Xbox + online connectivity, I'm sure the GC + GBA (and maybe a pokemon game) would be very appealing to the casual gamer. Parents would be nagged by their kids to get both, rather than the GBA on its own, being Xmas and all.

My main problem with Nintendo is it's marketing (in Australia anyways). Nintendo are my favourite developers, and I think that they are THE BEST developer. So much talent, but Nintendo expect people to run and buy a GC BECAUSE of Zelda and BECAUSE of MARIO. If they promoted it more, showed off it's 3rd party games in its advertising, made BIG stands at EB (compareable with Ps2 and Xbox), then of course it would increase sales.

The point is that Nintendo could very easily do this. It doesn't take a genius from the marketing dept. Fact is they don't. I don't know why, and I don't think anybody knows why (except for Nintendo).

This is why Nintendo will never suddenly gain GC sales. It's underpromoted.

If you go to EB in Sydney, there is like huge XBOX XMAS MASSIVE PACK promotions, PS2 + GAME Promotions, and at the back a GC with nothing. It's no suprise that the GC sales are way behind Ps2's.

[D-realJos]

^^

Yeah, it's really sad when you think of it.

Nintendo is relying too much on brand power to sell GameCubes. While the hardcore gamers will rush out and pick up their brand name titles(including "big projects" like ED), the casual gamers really aren't like that.

They, for the most part, don't really care too much about what Nintendo(or any other company for that matter) did in that pervious gen or any gens before that, they care about here and now, and the only way the capture their attentions is through the use of clever and/or aggressive marketing. Both MS and Sony seemed to grasp the concept, why can't Nintendo?

I've watched Nintendo for the majority of this year release a game, show commercials for about 2 weeks then abruptly cut them off air as though they think the games reached maximum sales and can't sell not even ONE more copy. Look at Animal Crossing -- the first, and probably only game they really backed well. If a game like this that's pretty much unknown to casual gamers(read: not a familar franchise) can hit sales close to 500,000(in the US), is their any reason why Mario -- times more popular, AND came out a month before -- shouldn't already sold 1 million in the US? I mean, they have the software... when you got it, flaunt it!

That just goes to show how more aggressive marketing can pay off. It would appear that they are catching on slowly, but they'll have so show a significant and faster effort if they don't want their butt handed to them. It's sad that a company of their legacy, caliber, and experience isn't going considerable better. Even worst when you realise that the fault is not the quality of their games or console, but revolves around problems that can be easily fixed/solved/rectify.

[BigJustinW]

Originally posted by D-realJos
Exactly. I didn't stress it because anyone could tell him that.

Look like you're getting a bit desperate there The Game!
Resorting to invalid arguments. Then again, that was always your way of doing things.

Hey, at least I can least... I don't quit in arguements like you sonny. I would post examples, but I chose not to waste my time with such a pathetic person.

[D-realJos]

Originally posted by BigJustinW
Hey, at least I can least... I don't quit in arguements like you sonny. I would post examples, but I chose not to waste my time with such a pathetic person.

tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk... you actually admit that you're relentless with your invalid arguments. You're such a sad case....but cheers for being an honest guy!

Concerning your lame efforts(aka declination) to support the claims you yourself make, I find that you love making statements that you won't and/or you CAN'T back up.
But unlike you, I won't just make that claim, I'll prove it!

Here, for example...

I were long waiting for you to show me where I'm was "really bias" as you implied. Instead, you had the nerve to come back to that thread without the proof needed to support that. Classic! You haven't lost your touch at all!

While we're on that subject...what's even worst is that; I can't believe you actually came back to that thread -- KNOWING me and Perfect Stu basically killed it -- just to take your cheap shots while the thread gets closed. Seems like you either closed it too, or asked for it to be closed.

How incredibly CHEAP and PATHETIC was THAT?

Why try to act like your last comments meant jack after it was all over? That's like showing up at a party when the DJ leaves then claiming you're the best dancer!

That's some punk sh!t man! Where's the honor in that?
As if it wasn't worth the time responding to you already, that cheap stunt just costs you a few more ranks, in my eyes.

Let the records stand as of today! [21/12/2002]
-- You can never back up your claims in an argument. I proved that!
-- You admit to invalid arguments. Desperate attempts to get "even" with me.
-- You resort to very cheap stunts. Deemed dishonorable in a message board debate/argument.

That said, as much as I love getting on your case, I don't think you're even worth my time anymore. Seriously. It's just boring and pointless now.

From this point on... rather than directly argue with/respond to you, I'd perfer to point out to the board members why they should not be bother with your weak, weightless, inferior efforts of an argument.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by TheGame
Another great fanboy post by D-Real

Didn't read this part.

It's a good read, better than the crap you have to say for yourself.

I don't understand y people have to be so damn pissed off just coz they can't post a decent read. It's pathetic.

No Dreal I like reading your posts, don't let ppl like this stop you writing them.

[Yoda9864]

Originally posted by TheGame
Another great fanboy post by D-Real

I don't see how D-Real's post was fanboyish at all.


Anyway. Even though I already have a GBA, I think I might still be interested in a deal like this. I like hte idea of having two GBA's around, that way, even if a friend doesn't have a GBA, you can still play together. You could always just sell the extra GBA.

[Angrist]

HEhe.... every self-respecting gamer should have at least 2 AGBs.

[Blix]

Originally posted by BigJustinW
Hey, at least I can least... I don't quit in arguements like you sonny. I would post examples, but I chose not to waste my time with such a pathetic person.

But isn't that, at the very end, quiting?













J/K

[Bean Kenzaki]

Ey shadowfox..... see whats going on here.


only got one thing to say to you


Deja Vu



Anyway, thats a kick ass idea, but perhaps abit on the late side, or slightly risky. it would work , i still havent got a GBA yet but if they did it sooner i would have had one by then.

[Shadow_Link]

Nice post Dreal. If Nintendo did a deal even remotely like the one you described, then it would surely bolster sales. By how much, who knows? But I seriously doubt it would launch the GC anywhere near the position of the PS2. What it could do though is reinforce Nintendo's brand name, and give them a better reputation for the next generation of consoles. But Nintendo would also have to follow that up by releasing the console around the same time as the PS3/Xbox 2, with some amazing, exclusive launch titles, along with a wealth of good third party games.

I would disagree with the argument of everyone who wants a GBA would have already got one. Is that why the PS2 is still selling like hot cakes? Oh, and also the GBA .

[D-realJos]

Bobcat said..
No Dreal I like reading your posts, don't let ppl like this stop you writing them.

Thanks bro, I won't!

Originally posted by Shadow_Link
But I seriously doubt it would launch the GC anywhere near the position of the PS2. What it could do though is reinforce Nintendo's brand name, and give them a better reputation for the next generation of consoles. But Nintendo would also have to follow that up by releasing the console around the same time as the PS3/Xbox 2, with some amazing, exclusive launch titles, along with a wealth of good third party games.

Great reasoning, that's exactly along the lines I were thinking.

I would disagree with the argument of everyone who wants a GBA would have already got one. Is that why the PS2 is still selling like hot cakes? Oh, and also the GBA .

Yeah, I know. Anytime I hear PS2 (or GBA) selling tens of thousands in either market(especially Japan) EACH WEEK, it always fascinates me for some reason.

I attempt to imagine around 50+ thousand people in one country buying one particular product each week, and still the fact remains that the following week, that many or more will do it again. It's just mind-boggling :eek:

It reminds me of how just how minute even those figures can be, when you're dealing with population.

[dwelzy]

No Dreal I like reading your posts, don't let ppl like this stop you writing them.

I agree d-real , for the short time iv been at GT iv seen sum nice thought out threads from u so keep doin wat u do bro .